Conveyor system and measuring device for determining water content of a construction material

ABSTRACT

A system is provided. The system includes a conveyor apparatus configured for conveying a material and a water content measurement system positioned about the conveyor apparatus for determining water content in the material. A dimension characteristic measurement system for detecting one or more dimension characteristics of the material is provided and a computer device is configured to manipulate data received from the water content measurement system and the dimension characteristic measurement system to determine a water content of the material.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/748,490, filed Jan. 21, 2020 and titled “CONVEYOR SYSTEM ANDMEASURING DEVICE FOR DETERMINING WATER CONTENT OF A CONSTRUCTIONMATERIAL”, being issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,280,748 on Mar. 22, 2022,which is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/155,056, filed May 15, 2016 and titled “CONVEYOR SYSTEM ANDMEASURING DEVICE FOR DETERMINING WATER CONTENT OF A CONSTRUCTIONMATERIAL”, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,539,415 issued on Jan. 21, 2020, whichis a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/656,918, filed Oct. 22, 2012 and titled “CONVEYOR SYSTEM ANDMEASURING DEVICE FOR DETERMINING WATER CONTENT OF A CONSTRUCTIONMATERIAL”, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,389,191 issued on Jul. 12, 2016, thecontents of which are all incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure is related to a conveyor system and measuring system fordetermining water content of a construction material, and, moreparticularly, towards a measuring device that determines water contentof a concrete and/or aggregate mixture while the mixture travels on aconveyor assembly. The system is high speed and corrects for thicknessand density and may do so in real-time.

BACKGROUND

Concrete mixture is made of one or more of sand, aggregate, cement,pozzolans, and other materials and is transported on a conveyor assemblyfrom bins or silos to an area where water and other additives areincorporated into the concrete mixture to homogenize the mixture inpreparation for installation and curing. The sand and other aggregatesnaturally contain a varying amount of water and determining the amountof water already existing in the concrete mixture is important so thatthe proper amounts of water can be added later during homogenization. Itis well known that the water to cement ratio is directly related to theconcrete product strength. Improper amounts of water added during themixing process can impact the curing time, strength, durability, andappearance of the cured concrete. In some instances, entire batches ofconcrete must be destroyed or sold as cull product if the water contentis not appropriately controlled.

Under current methods, water content of the mixture moving on theconveyor is estimated by random sampling on the run and by directmeasurement of water in sand and aggregate stockpiles. Usually, suchmeasurements are made once or twice a day and cannot estimate thevariability of the water in the stock pile from surface drying duringthe day and/or rainfall that may occur. Such measurements also take alonger time, usually requiring about half an hour or more. Typically,the operator takes a select amount from the stock pile, weighs theamount, dries it on an electric or gas stove top and finds the mass lostto evaporation. The mass lost is determined as a gravimetrical percentmoisture based on dry or wet mass of initial total aggregate.

In another method widely used in industry for determining water content,a probe is directly buried in sand or sand and aggregate within binsand/or hoppers. The material may be held stationary or may flow out ofthe bin past the probe or hopper to a conveyor belt. The method relieson the correlation of the dielectric properties of the water content ofthe material. The probe measures the dielectric properties of thematerial, and, based on a calibration, the water content of the materialis determined. This method has limited accuracy in estimating the bulkwater content of the material due to following draw backs: 1) when thematerial is stationary, the measurement volume of the probe is smallcompared to the majority of the material volume, resulting in aninaccurate detection of water in the bulk volume of the sample and 2)when material is flowing past the probe, the flow characteristics suchas random air pockets, density variations, and turbulent material flowsignificantly increase the variance, reducing the average values, andleading to inaccurate water content data.

Nuclear and non-nuclear methods have been used to measure water contentof construction materials for more than five decades. One such methoddescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,213,280 incorporates a neutron source and aslow neutron detector that utilized the fast neutron thermalizing effector slowing down effect of hydrogen to measure water content in sand. Themethod described there was to measure the water content of sand used formolds and cores. The neutron source and the detector were placed insidea cylindrical probe. In calibration, the probe was buried in a containerof carefully measured dimensions filled with sand so that themeasurement volume of the probe covers most of the volume of sand in thecontainer. Although this method is good for that particular application,the measurement volume is still a small fraction of the volume of binsand hoppers used in concrete plants. Chemical composition errorsremained in the systems as well as density errors associated withmoisture values.

Methods that determine water content of a concrete mixture when themixture is moving on a conveyor belt have the advantage of estimatingwater content of a large integral fraction of the mixture. When themixture has water distributed non-uniformly, water content estimate forthe bulk volume has better accuracy with “on the run” averaging.Furthermore, due to the nature of concrete plant operation, at a givenmeasurement position or location, height, mass, and density of themixture moving on the belt varies with time. When determining the watercontent, methods should be used to compensate for such variations.

To compensate moisture measurements for the variation in height and massof the mixture moving on the belt with time, one practice may be to usetwo or more independent methods for determining the height or massthickness, and a quantity related to the water content of the mixture.Thereafter, physical relationships between the height or mass thickness,and a quantity related to water content are used to estimate or obtaindirect measurements of the water content of mixture.

In nuclear techniques based on this proposed method, gamma-raytechniques are used to measure height or mass thickness and neutrontechniques are used to measure a quantity related to water content ofthe mixture. Such methods are described in a report by Muller, R. H.(1963), Anal. Chem., Vol. 35(1), pp 99A-101A, and US patents such asU.S. Pat. Nos. 3,255,975, 3,431,415, 3,748,473, 3,955,087, 4,362,939,and 4,884,288. Problems with the previous such methods is that they usenuclear radiation sources of large strength or activity, may havemechanical constraints to keep the mixture passing near the gauge at aconstant height, and use specialized nuclear radiation detectors andsources, and complex electronic circuitry that were problematic forplant maintenance. Furthermore, error corrections on the fly associatedwith chemical composition, real-time corrections to flow discontinuitiesassociated with random material height, thickness, density, and massthickness, linked to belt speed and separation of detectors, are notfully described in previous art.

A need therefore exists for a method or solution that addresses thesedisadvantages and provides a real-time assessment of the concretemixture. This solution can produce real time or near real time data,averaged, integral, and filtered results instantaneously.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription of Illustrative Embodiments. This Summary is not intended toidentify key features or essential features of the claimed subjectmatter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimedsubject matter.

Disclosed herein is a system for use with a construction material. Thesystem may include a conveyor apparatus configured for conveying amaterial. A water content detector is positioned about the conveyorapparatus for detecting moisture in the material and a dimension orquantity characteristic detector for detecting one or more dimensioncharacteristics of the material. A computer device is configured tomanipulate data received from the water content detector and thedimension characteristic detector to determine a corrected water contentof the material. Quantity characteristic may mean a thickness (m), mass(kg) , volume (m³), mass thickness (kg-m), area (m²), density (kg/m³),linear length (m), mass per length (kg/m), mass per area (kg/m²), time(s), speed (m/s), conveyor rate (1/s) and various combinations of theunits or other dimensional characteristics. Mass thickness may bedefined as a ratio such as mass per meter or mass per square meter.Water content may be relative, volumetric or gravimetric, based on wetor dry product, and/or converted from one set of units to another.

According to one or more embodiments, the water content detector and thedimension characteristic detector may be spaced-apart about the conveyorapparatus to eliminate relative cross-talk therebetween.

According to one or more embodiments, the water content detectorincludes a neutron source spaced-apart from one side of the conveyorapparatus and neutron detector spaced-apart from an opposing side of theconveyor.

According to one or more embodiments, the neutron source is Cf-252 andthe neutron detector is an He-3 neutron or other detector.

According to one or more embodiments, the dimension characteristicdetector is configured to determine one of a height or mass thickness ofthe material. A gravimetric or volumetric determination may be made.

According to one or more embodiments, the dimension characteristicdetector includes a gamma-ray source spaced-apart from one side of theconveyor apparatus and a gamma-ray detector spaced-apart from anopposing side of the conveyor apparatus. Back scatter may also beemployed.

According to one or more embodiments, the gamma-ray source is Cs-137 andthe gamma-ray detector is a scintillation detector.

According to one or more embodiments, the water content detector ispositioned downstream of the dimension detector.

According to one or more embodiments, the material is one of a concrete,bituminous mixture, sand, aggregate, concrete additives, water or acombination thereof.

According to one or more embodiments, the dimension characteristicdetector uses one of acoustics, ultrasonic, structured light, lasers,optical, and combinations thereof for determining one of more dimensioncharacteristics. A gravimetric or volumetric determination may be made.

According to one or more embodiments, the computer device is furtherconfigured to determine whether the water content characteristic iswithin an acceptable range and provide adjustments to water input of thematerial based on the determination.

According to one or more embodiments, a method for determining the watercontent of a material being transported on a conveyor apparatus isprovided. The method includes detecting water content in the material,detecting a dimension characteristic of the material, and determining awater content of the material based on the detected water content anddetected dimension of the material.

According to one or more embodiments, detecting water content in thematerial includes counting neutrons on one side of the conveyorapparatus emitted from a neutron source from an opposing side of theconveyor apparatus.

According to one or more embodiments, detecting a dimensioncharacteristic of the material includes using one of acoustics,ultrasonic, structured light, lasers, optics, radar principles, andcombinations thereof for determining one or more dimensioncharacteristics.

According to one or more embodiments, detecting a dimensioncharacteristic of the material includes counting gamma-rays (photons) onone side of the conveyor apparatus emitted from a gamma-ray source froman opposing side of the conveyor apparatus.

According to one or more embodiments, detecting a dimensioncharacteristic of the material includes detecting one of a height ormass thickness of the material.

According to one or more embodiments, a density correction may occur.

According to one or more embodiments, a device for determining acharacteristic of a construction material being transported by aconveyor apparatus is provided. The device includes one of a gamma-rayand a neutron source positioned about one or opposing sides of theconveyor apparatus and at least one detector positioned about theopposing side of the conveyor apparatus configured for detecting one ofthe gamma-ray and neutron source. A computer device is configured tomanipulate data received from the detector to determine a characteristicof the construction material.

According to one or more embodiments, the detector is configured fordetecting water content in the material.

According to one or more embodiments, the detector is configured fordetecting a height, density, or a mass thickness of the material.

According to one or more embodiments, a mechanical device may beprovided to scrape or otherwise form the material to a predetermineddimensional characteristic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofpreferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunctionwith the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, there isshown in the drawings exemplary embodiments; however, the presentlydisclosed invention is not limited to the specific methods andinstrumentalities disclosed. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a conveyor system in accordance with one ormore embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a water content detector for use with aconveyor system in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosedherein;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a dimension characteristic detector for usewith a conveyor system in accordance with one or more embodimentsdisclosed herein;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method for determining a watercharacteristic of a material according to one or more embodimentsdisclosed herein;

FIG. 5 is a chart showing experimental results for determining a watercharacteristic according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein;and

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method for determining a water contentwithin a material and communicating that content to a computer deviceaccording to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed invention is described with specificity to meetstatutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intendedto limit the scope of the one or more embodiments shown and describedherein. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimedinvention might also be embodied in other ways, to include differentsteps or elements similar to the ones described in this document, inconjunction with other present or future technologies.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 10 for processing concrete or otherconstruction materials. The system 10 includes a conveyor apparatus 12configured for conveying a material 1 about a conveyor track 18. Thematerial 1 may contain any one of a concrete, bituminous mixture, sand,aggregate, concrete additives, water, air, or a combination thereof. Inone or more embodiments, material 1 may also be coal or other ore basedmaterials. The material flow in the conveyor apparatus 12 as illustratedis from left to right. A dimension characteristic measurement system 14may be positioned about the conveyor apparatus 12 for detecting one ormore dimension characteristics of the material 1. A water contentmeasurement system 16 may be positioned about the conveyor apparatus 12for detecting water content in the material. A material scraping device64 may be provided about the water content measurement system 16 inorder to remove excess amounts of material 1 before being interactedwith by the water content measurement system 16. The speed of the web atthe conveyor apparatus 12 may be monitored.

A computer device 20 is in communication with the water contentmeasurement system 16 and dimension characteristic measurement system 14and is configured to manipulate data received therefrom to determine awater content of the material 1. The water content may be a function ofthe detected water and the detected material dimensions. For example, amaterial having an otherwise increased thickness will thereby have anassociated increase in detected neutrons, which may be read as anincreased water content if the thickness of the material is not takeninto consideration. The computer device 20 may be configured tonormalize water content with the determined mass thickness.Communication with the computer device 20 may be wireless or hard wired,such as, for example, through the use of transmitter 60 or hardwire 62.The computer device 20 may be further configured to include one or moreaspects of a global positioning system (GPS) for providingidentification, mix properties, and location tracking services andinformation about the system 10 to either the on-site operator or aremote operator or to a customer. The conveyor 12 may be a mobile systemor permanently placed at a plant.

The water content measurement system 16 may also be configured fordetecting water or moisture by use of Boron-10 isotopes, coated gastubes, BF3 filled gas tubes, lithium, solid state measures, and otherdetector types.

The conveyor apparatus 12 may be in further communication with anadditional conveyor apparatus 22 and bin assembly 24. Bin assembly 24could also be a homogenization tank for addition of water to thematerial 1. Additionally, moisture or water detection may occur inconveyor apparatus 22 or bin assembly 24. A frame member 26 may beprovided for elevating the conveyor apparatus 12. Similarly, a framemember 30 may be provided for elevating additional conveyor apparatus22.

The water measurement system 16 and the dimension characteristicmeasurement system 14 are illustrated in a spaced-apart arrangementabout the conveyor apparatus 12 to eliminate cross-talk therebetween. Inone or more embodiments, there may be about six (6) feet of spacingbetween the dimension characteristic measurement system 14 and the watercontent measurement system 16. Shields or additional structures may beemployed for further limiting cross-talk between the dimensioncharacteristic detector 14 and the water content detector 16 and mayallow for more closely-spaced arrangement of the two measurementsystems. Source and detector positions may be on opposing sides of theconveyor apparatus 12 or may be on the same side in a back scatterconfiguration.

Alternatively, the water content measurement system 16 may be configuredfor determining water content by using an electromagnetic source anddetecting one or more characteristics such as impedance or scatteringparameters. Exemplary techniques for use in determining a water propertyinclude using fringing field capacitors to produce an electromagneticfield; time domain reflectometry techniques; single-frequency moisturetechniques; sweeping-frequency moisture techniques; microwave absorptiontechniques; radar reflection techniques; transmission techniques; and/oramplitude and microwave phase shift techniques. Further, suitablemoisture signal detectors include detectors operable to measure the realand imaginary parts of a dielectric constant at a single frequency,multiple frequencies, continuous sweeps of frequencies, and/or chirps offrequency content, or involve time domain pulse analysis. Anelectromagnetic source may result in electromagnetic radiation ornon-radiative fields in contact or not in contact with the material 1 orconveyor apparatus 12.

The water content measurement system 16 is illustrated more closely inFIG. 2. The water content measurement system 16 may include a neutronsource 32 spaced-apart from one side of the conveyor track 18 andneutron detector 34 spaced-apart from an opposing side of the conveyortrack 18. In this manner, neutron source 32 is configured for emittingneutrons into material 1 and the neutron detector 34 is configured fordetermining the counting statistics and/or energy state of neutronspassing through the material 1. In one or more embodiments, the neutronsource 32 may be a 100 micro Curie source of Cf-252 having a half lifeof about 2.64 years. However, other suitable neutron sources may beemployed, such as an Am-241/Be or any other suitable isotope/chemical oraccelerator-based neutron sources for example. In one or moreembodiments, a preferred configuration is transmission.

The neutron detector 34 may include one or more He-3 detectors 36 fordetecting moderated neutrons. The He-3 detectors may include a gas tubewith He-3. A frame 38 may be provided for supporting the neutron source32 and the neutron detector 34. A display screen 40 may becommunicatively coupled or remotely coupled visually interfacing thecontrol operator to the water content measurement system 16 fordisplaying one or more measurements thereof. The water contentmeasurement system 16 may be configured to provide a reading over apredetermined period of time. For example, the water content detector 16may be configured to provide a reading of water content at specifictimes or at timed intervals. The water content measurement system 16 maybe further configured to detect water over a predetermined number ofoccurrences, and the computer device 20 may be configured to average orfilter the readings of the predetermined number of occurrences.

The neutron detector 34 may be operatively configured to detect moistureby determining the amount of hydrogen in material 1. Specifically, fastneutrons emitted by the neutron source 32 pass through the material 1and undergo collisions with atomic nuclei in the material, therebylosing energy and slowing down. Hydrogen that is present within thewater has a mass similar in magnitude to the neutron. Collisions of theneutrons with hydrogen atoms slow the neutrons down. By counting thenumber of slowed neutrons passing through, this may give an indicator asto the amount of hydrogen, and therefore water content present. However,the thickness of material 1 present on the conveyor track 18 can varyfrom measurement to measurement, so determining the amount of material 1present may be necessary for converting the neutron count into a watercontent. Neutron count may be dependent on the density of the material 1and the thickness of the material 1.

The dimension characteristic measurement system 14 is illustrated moreclosely in FIG. 3. The dimension characteristic measurement system 14may be configured to determine one of a height and mass thickness of thematerial 1. A volumetric and gravimetric determination may be made. Thedimension characteristic measurement system 14 includes a gamma-raysource 42 spaced-apart from one side of the conveyor track 18 and agamma-ray detector 44 spaced-apart from the opposing side of theconveyor track 18. The gamma-ray detector 44 may be configured forcounting gamma rays (photons) of various energies, or counting gammarays of any energy. In one or more embodiments, the gamma-ray source 42is Cs-137 and may have a 300 micro Curie strength. However, othersuitable gamma radiation sources with different primary energy levelsmay be employed, such as a Co-60, or any other suitable isotope gammaradiation source for example. In one or more embodiments, the gamma-raydetector 44 is a scintillation detector. In one or more embodiments, thescintillation detector may be an Nal or PMT detector. A frame 46 may beprovided for carrying the gamma-ray source 42 and gamma-ray detector 44.A computer device having a display screen 50 may be communicativelycoupled or remotely coupled to a central operator and the dimensioncharacteristic measurement system 14 for displaying one or moremeasurements thereof. Alternatively, computer device 20 may becommunicatively coupled to the water measurement system 16 and thedimension characteristic measurement system 14.

Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the dimension characteristicmeasurement system 14 may be configured to determine a dimension usingone of acoustics, ultrasonic, structured light, lasers, optics, radartechniques, mechanical feelers, and combinations thereof methods.

The dimension characteristic measurement system 14 may be furtherconfigured for taking a first measurement at the beginning of aproduction run with an empty conveyor track 18. In this manner, thethickness of the conveyor track 18 and surrounding hydrogen can bemeasured and accounted for when determining a dimension of the material1.

One or more methods for determining a water content of a material beingtransported on a conveyor apparatus are illustrated in the flowchart ofFIG. 4 and generally designated 100. The one or more methods 100 includedetermining a quantity or parameter of water related to water content inthe material 110. Determining a quantity or parameter of water relatedto water content in the material 110 may include counting neutrons onone side of the conveyor apparatus emitted from a neutron source from anopposing side of the conveyor apparatus. Determining a quantity orparameter of water related to water content in the material 110 may beeffectuated by utilization of the one or more water content measurementsystems 16 disclosed herein.

The one or more methods 100 may include determining a dimensioncharacteristic of the material 120. Determining a dimensioncharacteristic of the material 120 may include using one of acoustics,ultrasonic, structured light, lasers, optics, radar, and combinationsthereof for determining one or more dimension characteristics.Determining a dimension characteristic of the material 120 may includecounting using a gamma-ray source and a scintillation detector.Determining a dimension characteristic 120 of the material may includedetecting one of a height or mass thickness of the material. Determininga dimension characteristic of the material 120 may be effectuated byutilization of the one or more material dimension characteristicmeasurement systems 14 disclosed herein.

The one or more methods 100 may include determining a water contentcharacteristic of the material based on the detected water parameter anddetected dimension characteristic of the material 130. Determining awater content characteristic 130 may include using a computing module toanalyze and determine the water characteristic based on the detectedwater parameter and dimensions of the material. The water characteristicmay be, for example, a percentage of water or Hydrogen in the material 1by weight, mass, or volume. A density may also be computed. In one ormore embodiments, computer 20 may be configured to synchronizemeasurements of the dimension characteristic detector 14 and watercontent detector 16 based on the velocity of conveyor belt 18 so thatrespective measurements are being taken of the same portion of material1. Detecting water content may use one or more normalizing variables,such as water content and density. Synchronizing measurements may alsodepend on material flow characteristics. For example, the speed and massthickness of the material may be used to synchronize measurements of thedimension characteristic detector 14. A delay may be introduced betweenmeasurements based on the speed of the conveyor belt 18.

The one or more methods 100 may include determining whether the watercontent characteristic is within an acceptable or predetermined range140. For example, if water content is supposed to be below 3.0% in agiven material, the desired range may be predetermined to be between2.5% and 3.0% water content. The computer device 20 may be configuredfor communicating with the water content measurement system 16 anddimension characteristic measurement system 14 for determining whetherthe detected water content characteristic is within the acceptablerange.

If the water content characteristic is within an acceptable range,operation of the system 10 may continue with continuous monitoring ofthe material characteristics 150. If the water content characteristic isnot within an acceptable range, the system 10 may adjust the water input160 of the material. This may be accomplished instantaneously with thesystem 10 continuing to operate so that there is no down-time, or,alternatively, the system 10 can cease production while adjustments aremade to water input. This adjustment to water input may be accomplishedby addition of water, removal of water through pressing or othermechanical processes, thermal application, addition or removal ofmaterial, and combinations thereof.

The computer device 20 illustrated in FIG. 1 may include computercontrol code configured for carrying out the one or more methods 100disclosed herein. For example, the computer control code may beconfigured for communicating with moisture 16 and dimensional 14apparatus, instrumentation on the hopper 24 and conveyors 12 and 22,display screens 40 and 50 for outputting one or more data parameters.The computer control code may be configured for comparing the detectedwater content and the detected dimension characteristic to determine awater property of the material. Computer may be directly linked to acontrol room, hardware controller, or operator in a separate location.

The computer device 20 may be configured to provide an algorithm orother computer control code for displaying information such as theexperimental results illustrated in the chart of FIG. 5. As illustratedin FIG. 5, the experimental results show a generally linear correlationbetween neutron count ratio and material thickness for a given controlmaterial having a known water content. Similar experimental results maybe established showing a linear arrangement for concrete mixtures and bycomparing the detecting water characteristic with the detected massthickness, a water content of the material may be determined. Thecomputer device 20 may be configured to provide a printout of variousdata and characteristics determined. The system 10 may further includeglobal positioning system (GPS) capabilities.

The relationship between count ratio and material thickness or massthickness may also be correlated to the speed of the additional conveyorand a known mass of the material as a function of time being applied tobelt 22. Count ratio applies to either neutron or gamma system andrefers the actual material measurement count as related to a standardcount. Standard count may be a daily count using standard hydrogenousmaterials or dense materials such as Mg, Al, Mg—Al, Polypropylene orcombinations of these materials. Standard count may simply be an emptybelt count, or air count, at a particular position of the conveyor, orseveral points on the conveyor or an integral average of a runningconveyor.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method for determining water content andcommunicating the water content to the computer device. The system firstdetermines if it is ready for measurement 210. If yes, then the systemmay, either simultaneously or at an offset time, determine a gammadensity count of the material 212 and determine a neutron moisture count220. This determination may be made over a predetermined interval, suchas, for example, one second. The method may include determining adensity country ratio by comparing the density count to a standard count214, meaning a count when no material is on the conveyor. The method mayinclude determining a moisture count ratio by comparing moisture countto a standard count 222. The density count ratio step 214 and moisturecount ratio 222 may be performed simultaneously or at offset timesthereof. The method may include determining mass thickness by comparingto a predetermined calibration curve 216. The method may then includedetermining a moisture count ratio 1 and a moisture count ratio 2 forwater content values w1 and w2 by comparing the moisture count ratio andthe calibration curve 224. The method may include determining a watercontent with the moisture count ratios 226. The method may includecommunicating the water content to a computer device 230. The method mayinclude digital filtering the data or simple averaging or a video orrunning average technique.

-   -   While the embodiments have been described in connection with the        preferred embodiments of the various figures, it is to be        understood that other similar embodiments may be used or        modifications and additions may be made to the described        embodiment for performing the same function without deviating        therefrom. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should not be        limited to any single embodiment, but rather should be construed        in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A system comprising: a conveyor apparatus configuredfor conveying a material; a water content measurement system positionedabout the conveyor apparatus for detecting water content in thematerial; a dimension characteristic measurement system for detectingone or more dimension characteristics of the material; and a computerdevice configured to manipulate data received from the water contentmeasurement system and the dimension characteristic measurement systemto determine a water content of the material.
 2. The system according toclaim 1, wherein the water content measurement system and the dimensioncharacteristic measurement system are spaced-apart about the conveyorapparatus to eliminate cross-talk therebetween.
 3. The system accordingto claim 1, wherein the water content measurement system comprises aneutron source spaced-apart from one side of the conveyor apparatus andneutron detector spaced-apart from an opposing side of the conveyor. 4.The system according to claim 3, wherein the neutron source is Cf-252and the neutron detector is an He-3 neutron detector.
 5. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the dimension characteristic measurementsystem is configured to determine one of a height and mass thickness ofthe material.
 6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the dimensioncharacteristic measurement system comprises a gamma-ray sourcespaced-apart from one side of the conveyor apparatus and a gamma-raydetector spaced-apart from an opposing side of the conveyor apparatusand is configured for detecting a mass thickness.
 7. The systemaccording to claim 6, wherein the gamma-ray source is Cs-137 and thegamma-ray detector is a scintillation detector.
 8. The system accordingto claim 1, wherein the water content measurement system is positioneddownstream of the dimension measurement system.
 9. The system accordingto claim 1, wherein the material is one of a concrete, bituminousmixture, sand, aggregate, concrete additives, water or a combinationthereof
 10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the dimensioncharacteristic measurement system uses one of acoustics, ultrasonic,structured light, lasers, optics, radar, gamma ray, and combinationsthereof methods for determining one of more dimension characteristics.11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the computer device isfurther configured to: determine whether the water contentcharacteristic is within an acceptable range; and provide adjustments towater input of the material based on the determination.
 12. A method fordetermining the water content of a material being transported on aconveyor apparatus, the method comprising: detecting a parameter ofwater in the material; detecting a dimension characteristic of thematerial; and determining a water content of the material based on thedetected parameter of water and detected dimension of the material. 13.The method according to claim 12, wherein detecting water content in thematerial comprises counting neutrons on one side of the conveyorapparatus emitted from a neutron source from an opposing side of theconveyor apparatus.
 14. The method according to claim 12, whereindetermining a dimension characteristic of the material comprises usingone of acoustics, ultrasonic, structured light, lasers, optics, radar,gamma ray, and combinations thereof for determining one or moredimension characteristics.
 15. The method according to claim 12, whereindetermining a dimension characteristic of the material comprisescounting gamma-rays (photons) using a gamma-rays source and ascintillation detector.
 16. The method according to claim 12, whereindetermining a dimension characteristic of the material comprisesdetermining one of a height or mass thickness of the material.
 17. Themethod according to claim 12, wherein the material is one of a concrete,bituminous mixture, sand, aggregate, concrete additives, water or acombination thereof
 18. The method according to claim 12, furtherincluding: determining whether the water content characteristic iswithin an acceptable range; and providing adjustments to water input ofthe material based on the determination.
 19. A device for determining acharacteristic of a construction material being transported by aconveyor apparatus, the device comprising: one of a gamma-ray and aneutron source positioned about one side of the conveyor apparatus; adetector positioned about the opposing side of the conveyor apparatusconfigured for detecting one of the gamma-rays and neutrons; and acomputer device configured to manipulate data received from thedetectors to determine a characteristic of the construction material.20. The device according to claim 19, wherein the measurement system isconfigured for detecting water content in the material.